Winter can be brutal on your plumbing system. Freezing temperatures often lead to problems that can catch homeowners off guard, leading to costly repairs and serious water damage. At Aqua Knight Plumbing, we know how frustrating winter plumbing issues can be, but the good news is that many of these problems are preventable with a little preparation and maintenance. Here are five common winter plumbing problems and how you can protect your home from them.
1. Frozen Pipes
The Problem: One of the most common winter plumbing issues, frozen pipes occur when the water inside your pipes freezes and expands, putting immense pressure on the pipe walls. This can cause cracks or even burst pipes, leading to significant water damage.
How to Prevent It:
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, garages, attics, and crawl spaces.
- Keep your home’s temperature above 55°F, even when you’re away.
- On extremely cold nights, let faucets drip slightly to keep water flowing and reduce pressure buildup in the pipes.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate the pipes.
2. Water Heater Failure
The Problem: In winter, your water heater works harder to provide hot water, and older or poorly maintained units may struggle to keep up. Over time, sediment buildup inside the tank can reduce efficiency, potentially leading to cold showers or even total failure.
How to Prevent It:
- Schedule an annual water heater maintenance check-up. This includes draining the tank to remove sediment and checking for any issues.
- Insulate your water heater with a thermal blanket to improve efficiency and reduce strain in colder months.
- Consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model if your current water heater is aging or frequently breaks down.
3. Clogged Drains
The Problem: During the winter, more indoor gatherings and holiday meals mean more food, grease, and debris going down your kitchen drains. Cold temperatures can cause grease to solidify and build up, leading to blockages that can cause backups and slow drainage.
How to Prevent It:
- Avoid pouring grease, oil, or food scraps down the drain. Instead, dispose of them in the trash or compost.
- Use drain strainers to catch food particles, hair, and other debris that could clog your pipes.
- Run hot water down the drain regularly to help clear out any buildup.
4. Burst Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
The Problem: Leaving hoses connected to outdoor faucets in the winter can cause water to remain in the pipes, leading to freezing and pipe bursts. This can result in major leaks and costly repairs, especially if the burst occurs inside your home.
How to Prevent It:
- Disconnect and store all outdoor hoses before the first freeze.
- Shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water from the pipes.
- Install frost-proof spigots for added protection.
5. Sump Pump Failure
The Problem: Winter storms, melting snow, and ice can lead to excess water around your home’s foundation, putting extra pressure on your sump pump. If the pump freezes or fails, your basement could flood, causing significant damage.
How to Prevent It:
- Test your sump pump regularly to ensure it’s working properly before heavy winter precipitation hits.
- Install a backup battery to keep your sump pump running during power outages caused by winter storms.
- Ensure the discharge line is clear of debris and properly insulated to prevent freezing.
When to Call a Professional
Even with the best preventive measures, winter plumbing issues can still happen. If you encounter any of the following, it’s time to call a professional plumber:
- Frozen pipes that you can’t thaw safely on your own.
- Persistent clogs or slow drainage that doesn’t resolve with basic DIY methods.
- Water heater issues like inconsistent temperatures or lack of hot water.
- Any signs of leaks or water damage around pipes or plumbing fixtures.
At Aqua Knight Plumbing, we’re here to help you keep your home’s plumbing running smoothly all winter long. Whether you need emergency assistance or a winter maintenance check-up, give us a call at 630-755-0583. Don’t let winter get the best of your plumbing—let our team of experts help you stay warm, dry, and worry-free!
